Ehrenberg Castle

The castle's origins trace back to the 13th century when the area around Reutte was under Staufer influence. Around 1290, after the Tyroleans ceded their castle near Pfronten, the new defensive structure was built. Heinrich von Starkenberg is mentioned as the first castle captain in 1293. Construction was partly funded by princely means, supplemented by contributions and labor services from surrounding communities. Over the centuries, Ehrenberg was pledged multiple times, including to Duke Heinrich of Carinthia and Duke Albrecht II of Austria, as the hermitage below the castle promised high customs revenues. Under the Augsburg merchant Georg Gossembrot, Reutte was elevated to a market town, but his rule was unpopular. In the 16th century, the castle repeatedly faced military conflicts, including attacks by the Schmalkaldic League in 1546 and Maurice of Saxony in 1552. After initial neglect, the castle's strategic value was recognized again in the early 17th century. Archduke Maximilian initiated extensive renovations. During the Thirty Years' War, the fortifications were further strengthened and successfully repelled an attack in 1632. In the War of the Spanish Succession, Ehrenberg was briefly captured by Bavarian troops in 1703 but quickly retaken. The strategic weakness on the Schlosskopf led to the construction of a large fortress there between 1726 and 1741. In 1782, the fortress system was abandoned and used as a quarry. In the mid-19th century, industrialist Heinrich Schoener acquired the ruin. Since the mid-20th century, the